Knee Neuropathy: Chiropractic Scientists

Individuals dealing with aching knees is one of the most common health problems and affects people of all ages. The knee is the largest joint in the body, comprised of muscles, tendons, ligaments, cartilage, and bones. The knees support walking, standing, running, and even sitting. Constant use makes them highly susceptible to injuries and conditions. The knees are also surrounded by a complex network of nerves that transmit messages to and from the brain. Damage to the nerves from an injury or disease can create various symptoms of discomfort in and around the knee joint.

Knee Neuropathy

Causes

Knee discomfort symptoms can be brought on by injury, degenerative disorders, arthritis, infection, and other causes, including:

Rheumatoid arthritis

• This is a chronic inflammatory disorder that causes the knees to swell and causes damage to the cartilage.

Osteoarthritis

• This type of arthritis causes the cartilage to steadily wear away, causing damage to the joints and various symptoms.

Cartilage Issues

• Overuse, muscle weakness, injury, and misalignments can cause compensating postures and movements that can wear down and soften the cartilage, generating symptoms.

Several factors can increase the risk of developing knee neuropathy, including:

• Previous knee injury
• Undiagnosed and untreated knee injury
• Unhealthy Weight
• Gout
• Compromised leg muscle strength and/or flexibility

Symptoms

Symptoms associated with a knee injury or disorder can vary, depending on the severity and damage. Symptoms can include:

• Joint stiffness
• Swelling in the joint.
• Reduced movement/flexibility in the joint.
• Increased instability/feeling of weakness in the knee.
• Changes in skin color around the knee joint, like increased redness or pale discoloration.
• Numbness, coldness, or tingling in and/or around the joint.
• Pain symptoms could be a dull ache or throbbing felt throughout the knee.
• Sharp, stabbing discomfort in a specific area.

If left untreated, knee neuropathy could permanently affect the ability to walk and lead to partial or total loss of knee function and mobility. Doctors recommend taking note of the following:

• What activity/s generates symptoms?
• Where are the symptoms located?
• What the pain feels like?

Treatments available for knee pain

Chiropractic treatment offers various approaches to addressing the pain caused by nerve damage. Standard treatment includes chiropractic adjustments, therapeutic massage, non-surgical decompression, stretching, posture and movement training, and nutritional anti-inflammatory plans. Our medical team specializes in non-surgical treatments that decrease symptoms and increase strength, flexibility, mobility, and restore function.

Knee Injuries Adjustment

References

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Hawk, Cheryl, et al. “Best Practices for Chiropractic Management of Patients with Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain: A Clinical Practice Guideline.” Journal of alternative and complementary medicine (New York, N.Y.) vol. 26,10 (2020): 884-901. doi:10.1089/acm.2020.0181

Hunter, David J et al. “Effectiveness of a new model of primary care management on knee pain and function in patients with knee osteoarthritis: Protocol for THE PARTNER STUDY.” BMC musculoskeletal disorders vol. 19,1 132. 30 Apr. 2018, doi:10.1186/s12891-018-2048-0

Kidd, Vasco Deon, et al. “Genicular Nerve Radiofrequency Ablation for Painful Knee Arthritis: The Why and the How.” JBJS essential surgical techniques vol. 9,1 e10. 13 Mar. 2019, doi:10.2106/JBJS.ST.18.00016

Krishnan, Yamini, and Alan J Grodzinsky. “Cartilage diseases.” Matrix biology: journal of the International Society for Matrix Biology vol. 71-72 (2018): 51-69. doi:10.1016/j.matbio.2018.05.005

Speelziek, Scott J A, et al. “Clinical spectrum of neuropathy after primary total knee arthroplasty: A series of 54 cases.” Muscle & nerve vol. 59,6 (2019): 679-682. doi:10.1002/mus.26473